Can’t create Windows 10 recovery drive

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I’m attempting to create recovery media for my Windows 10 machine (new install, uefi bios). Using the control panels “recovery applet”, I click on “Create a recovery drive”. Regardless on whether or not I click “Backup system files to the recovery drive” I get the following error: “We can’t create a recovery drive on this PC Some required files are missing. To troubleshoot problems when your PC can’t start, use your Windows installation disc or media.”

The install of Windows 10 was created via an upgrade/new install DVD. No recovery partition was created on my hard drive.

Is a recovery drive needed, or will I be able to perform any required recovery tasks by booting from the original DVD?

Thanks!

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Jwoods – the article you recommended indicated that the error comes from a missing recovery partition (which the install never created). It referred me to a different article on how to restore the Windows RE, which I’m reviewing now.

– Bruce

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Recovery Drive…we don’t need no stinkin’ recovery drives!

Get a good Image backup program, create the recovery media for it, take regular system images (back up your data on a more frequent schedule), problem solved. You have a problem restore the last image (keep multiple generations JIC) no muss no fuss. IMHO sure beats playing around trying to figure what’s wrong using windows tools and you’re up an running again in no time flat!. HTH :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
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Unless you need to do a clean install.

That’s what installation media is for. Of course if you take an Image upon initial install and save it that’s better yet. A lot quicker to Restore that Install. I always take an image of a new machine before I even boot it for the first time, that way if I ever have to get rid of the machine I just restore that Image and it’s like it just came out of the box. I also image a new machine just after I get all my normal software installed and setup just the way I like it, again much better than a clean install. Of course, YMMV HTH :cheers:

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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Always prudent to have a tool when you need it, rather than need it and not have it.[/QUOTE]

RIP, Don Covay……….

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The install of Windows 10 was created via an upgrade/new install DVD. No recovery partition was created on my hard drive.

I’m not sure what that sentence means exactly. Did you just do an upgrade? If so you won’t have the necessary files (the Win RE) needed to create the recovery media. This appears to be your situation since you mentioned you didn’t get a new recovery partition created.

I suggest you might try doing what I did, which is to backup all your important files (documents, pictures, music, etc) and then wipe the system drive and reinstall Win 10 clean. Note that you need to successfully complete the Win 10 upgrade first and make sure the install is activated. The reason is Microsoft needs this to create a signature of your hardware so it will recognize it when you reinstall.

I was in the same boat you are, and I spent days trying unsuccessfully to create that recovery media from my system upgraded from Win 7 to Win 10. Only after I reinstalled clean (and got the new Win 10 recovery partition as a result) was I able to create the recovery media successfully.

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